HLS 14RS-5223 ENGROSSED
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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 170
BY REPRESENTATIVE WHITNEY
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Urges and requests the Louisiana Workforce
Commission, in consultation with the Department of Health and Hospitals, to
develop a referral process for the rehabilitation of unemployment insurance
applicants who were discharged from previous employment due to unlawful drug use
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request the Louisiana Workforce Commission, in consultation with the2
Department of Health and Hospitals, to develop a referral process for the3
rehabilitation of unemployment insurance applicants who were discharged from4
previous employment due to drug use.5
WHEREAS, the Legislature of Louisiana recognizes the importance of ensuring that6
the citizens of our state are ready to work and live free of drug dependence; and7
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the people of Louisiana that the population8
of our state be free of physical and mental impairments associated with drug dependence;9
and10
WHEREAS, the legislature recognizes the importance of a safe and drug-free11
workforce; and12
WHEREAS, drug abuse creates significant workplace safety and health hazards and13
can result in decreased productivity, more injuries on the job, and an increased cost to14
employers; and15
WHEREAS, in all cases of employme nt separation, the Louisiana Workforce16
Commission requests the reason of separation for unemployment insurance applicants,17
which makes the agency aware of drug-related discharges; and18 HLS 14RS-5223 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 170
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WHEREAS, the office of behavioral health within the Department of Health and1
Hospitals ensures care and support to improve quality of life for people with mental illness2
and addictive disorders; and3
WHEREAS, cooperation between the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the4
Department of Health and Hospitals to refer persons in need to appropriate programs will5
maximize the resources of state government to create a safe and sober workforce; and6
WHEREAS, upon successful rehabilitation, people with addictive disorders can7
reenter the workforce of Louisiana as productive citizens.8
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the9
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Workforce10
Commission, in consultation with the Department of Health and Hospitals, to develop a11
referral process for the rehabilitation of unemployment insurance applicants who were12
discharged from previous employment due to drug use.13
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the14
Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Department of Health and Hospitals.15
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Whitney HR No. 170
Urges and requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission, in consultation with the
Department of Health and Hospitals, to develop a referral process for the rehabilitation of
unemployment insurance applicants who were discharged from previous employment due
to unlawful drug use.